Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

Bob63

binnie wrote: »

Thanks to all that give blood. My mum has been making use of it lately as she as Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and needs blood transfusions, platelets etc.

I hope your mum beats AML - quite a few people do, so don't give up hope ever! My dad didn't as it came after another blood cancer (lymphoma), but I still give platelets in his memory and will continue to do so until they tell me to stop!

One thing which always made me smile was when my dad went in for a red cell transfusion. He would go in haggard and tired because his count had dropped below 10, but then he would receive 2 or 3 units of red cells and would practically run down the corridor of the hospital like he was turbocharged. You never see any direct effects of a platelet transfusion but the effect of red cells is remarkable.

noonesperfect

This is a bit odd, but I'm pleased after all.....

The last time I gave blood (Oct 08) they asked me if I would like to make my next appointment. I was offered one for March this year.
I found that technically I could donate again any time after 12th Jan so kept checking on Blood Donor Online but there never appeared to be any available appointments within 10 miles before my allotted appointment date.
Anyway I seized the bull by the horns and rang the NBS to be told I could have an appointment this month at my chosen (same as original) venue :j .

I'm very pleased I've been given this appointment but perplexed why I wasn't offered one on this date before

Hopefully I can make up for a donation someone has missed because they had a bug.

lisyloo

You dont have to have an appointment at all.

Generally the system is designed to help manage the load and reduce peoples waiting times, but you can just turn up.

People have to cancel all the time due to colds or work commitments.

I believe they do about 50% appointments and 50% jsust turning up.

noonesperfect

I realise that, but I live in the sticks which means an eleven mile (minimum) round trip to a donation venue - then a longish wait.
I'd rather make an appointment, but thanks anyway.

torbrex

I know someone that makes an appointment but will go to a session if she see's one and she has passed the 13 weeks. She then cancels the appointment and makes another one, she manages to make 4 donations a year doing it this way.

marshall2k

Aha! That reminds me that I must ask someone when I go next week to clarify this:

You should not give blood if:
You've already given blood in the last 12 weeks (normally, you must wait 16 weeks).

Am I normal?

noonesperfect

marshall2k wrote: »

Aha! That reminds me that I must ask someone when I go next week to clarify this:

Am I normal?

Why not sign up too Blood Donor online? You will be able to see for yourself then. Make and cancel appointments, see your donation history etc.
Doesn't cost anything!

marshall2k

I was signed up for online access but my donor number changed and my phone calls to make my new donor number linked to my Government gateway ID were in vain. I'd be surprised if it gave different time periods for different users too.

noonesperfect

marshall2k wrote: »

I was signed up for online access but my donor number changed and my phone calls to make my new donor number linked to my Government gateway ID were in vain. I'd be surprised if it gave different time periods for different users too.

I must admit, I had a bit of a problem as I lost my log in/ID numbers. They were very good and sorted it out for me. I know I had to wait a while though.

I think you've misunderstood what I meant about time periods.

My last donation was in October last year at which I was offered an appointment for March, though technically I can go any time after 12th January. If I hadn't logged into my "blood account" I wouldn't have known this and would have waited till the due appointment. I'm now going at the end of January.

marshall2k

Ohh! I see!

What I mean is that I always make my own appointment online (though not using blood donor online) for as soon as possible after 16 weeks from my last donation. When are 12 weeks acceptable?